Jamie Oliver vegan cottage pie is a hearty and comforting dish that is packed with nutritious vegetables and lentils, providing all the flavor and warmth of the classic cottage pie without any meat. This vegetarian version is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, plant-based alternative that’s still satisfying and rich in flavor. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this veg cottage pie is ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables, lentils, and a rich sauce, this veg cottage pie is both hearty and nourishing.
Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s the perfect meat-free version of the classic cottage pie, ideal for vegetarians and those looking to eat more plant-based meals.

Easy to Customize: You can adjust the ingredients to use your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand.
Great for Leftovers: This dish stores well and is great for reheating the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Comforting: With a savory vegetable filling and a creamy mashed potato topping, this cottage pie is the ultimate comfort food.

What is Vegan Cottage Pie?

Jamie Oliver Vegan cottage pie is a vegetarian version of the traditional cottage pie, which replaces meat with lentils and vegetables as the base. The filling is covered with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling, making for a hearty, nutritious meal.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne

Jamie Oliver Vegan Cottage Pie Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (canned or dried, cooked)

1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
500ml vegetable stock

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s vegetarian)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

800g potatoes, peeled and chopped
50g butter (or vegan butter)
100ml milk (or plant-based milk)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Vegan Cottage Pie

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Prepare the Filling

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and zucchini, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add the Lentils and Tomatoes

Stir in the cooked lentils, chopped tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

4. Simmer the Filling

Add the vegetable stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling thickens slightly.

5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the filling is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Assemble the Cottage Pie

Transfer the vegetable and lentil filling to a large ovenproof baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and smooth the top with a spatula. Use a fork to create a pattern on the surface.

7. Bake the Pie

Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

8. Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Vegan Cottage Pie

Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette that pairs nicely with the rich cottage pie.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas for added nutrition.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors of the pie.

Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread works well for mopping up the savory sauce.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Vegan Cottage Pie

Use the Right Potatoes: Choose a starchy variety like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold for the mashed potato topping, as they mash well and create a fluffy texture.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers to the filling.

Make it Vegan: To make this pie vegan, simply replace the butter and milk in the mashed potatoes with plant-based alternatives.
Top with Cheese: For extra flavor, sprinkle grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
Cook the Lentils from Scratch: If using dried lentils, cook them from scratch for better texture and flavor. Canned lentils work just as well in a pinch.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Vegan Cottage Pie

Sweet Potato Topping: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious topping.
Mushroom and Lentil Cottage Pie: Add mushrooms to the filling for an earthier flavor and meatier texture.
Spicy Cottage Pie: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.

Vegan Cottage Pie: Use plant-based butter and milk and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegan to make this dish fully plant-based.
Cheesy Veg Cottage Pie: Sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potato topping before baking for a crispy, golden crust.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Vegab Cottage Pie?

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze for Later: This cottage pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Vegan Cottage Pie?

Oven Reheat: Reheat the pie in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 350
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 58g

Fat: 9g
Fiber: 10g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I freeze vegetarian cottage pie?

Yes, vegetarian cottage pie freezes well. After cooking, allow the pie to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What lentils are best for vegetarian cottage pie?

Green or brown lentils are the best options for vegetarian cottage pie because they hold their shape during cooking, giving the filling a hearty texture. Red lentils tend to become too mushy for this dish.

Can I make vegetarian cottage pie vegan?

Yes, to make this pie vegan, simply replace the butter and milk in the mashed potato topping with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or oat milk. Ensure the Worcestershire sauce is also vegan or use a substitute.

How do I stop the mashed potato topping from sinking into the filling?

To prevent the mashed potato topping from sinking, allow the vegetable and lentil filling to cool slightly before adding the mashed potatoes. This gives the filling time to firm up and hold the topping better.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s vegan cottage pie is a comforting and delicious vegetarian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for the week, this vegan cottage pie is sure to become a favorite.

More Jamie Oliver Recipes

Jamie Oliver Vegetable Casserole